HIV/AIDS Medical Outreach Team CARE: Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh (centre) is flanked by members of the HIV/AIDS medical outreach team at the Medical Research Foundation yesterday. PHOTO BY RATTAN JADOO

Alive and WellFROM LEFT Hibiscus Foundation founder and former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam ,John McIntyre, US Embassy Charge D'Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Mayor of Port of Spain Joel Martinez at the US Embassy Public Affairs office on Sweet Briar Road in St Clair during the function to mark World AIDS Day on Saturday, themed 'Alive and Well' .PHOTO SUREASH CHOLAI.. ..EDITOR NOTE US AMBASSADOR OUT COUNTRY, SO Mc INTYRE REVERT TO OLD TITLE

COVID-19:

What people with HIV should know

Although the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people with HIV is not known, people with HIV may have concerns and questions related to their risk.

At the present time, we have no specific information about the risk of COVID-19 in people with HIV.
The risk from immune suppression is not known, but with other viral respiratory infections, the risk for people with HIV getting very sick is greatest in:
People with a low CD4 cell count, and
People not on HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART).
People with HIV can also be at increased risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 based on their age and other medical conditions.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent getting sick is to avoid exposure to the virus.
People with HIV should take everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
People with HIV should also continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
Eating right,
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and
Reducing stress as much as possible.
Staying healthy helps your immune system fight off infection should it occur.
If you have HIV and are taking your HIV medicine, it is important to continue your treatment and follow the advice of your health care provider. This is the best way to keep your immune system healthy.